Physician receptivity to use of formulary-loaded PDAs is high, study finds

The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review has identified five drugs — Biktarvy, Darzalex, Entresto, Cabometyx, and Xeljanz — with prices increases that are not supported by new clinical evidence, with a total of $815 million in added costs to U.S. payers in 2023.

In this week's episode of Tuning Into The C-Suite podcast, MHE's Briana Contreras chatted with David Calabrese, R.Ph, MHP, who is senior vice president and chief pharmacy officer of pharmacy care services company, OptumRx. David is also a member of Managed Healthcare Executives’ Editorial Advisory Board. During the discussion, he shared the OptumRx Quarter 2 Drug Pipeline Insights Report of 2020. Some of the information shared includes the three notable drugs currently being reviewed or those that have been recently approved by the FDA. Also discussed were any interesting industry trends to watch for.

The biggest advantage of suzetrigine would be that it helps patients avoid the use of opioids for acute pain. The FDA’s goal date for suzetrigine is Jan. 30, 2025.

The combination of Columvi, gemcitabine and oxaliplatin is the first CD20xCD3 bispecific antibody to show positive results in a randomized diffuse large B-cell lymphoma phase 3 trial. The FDA’s decision is expected by July 20, 2025.

The FDA has accepted a new drug application for aficamten, a new obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy drug. A goal date has been set for Sept. 26, 2025.

Yesintek is the latest Stelara biosimilar to gain FDA approval and it will be available in February 2025.